Chelsea have told Conor Gallagher he will only be a squad player if he stays at the club

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement on a £34m transfer deal for Conor Gallagher. Despite turning down a third contract extension offer from Chelsea, the midfielder is still open to signing a new long-term deal with his boyhood club but have been told he will only be squad player under Enzo Maresca. However, with his current Blues contract set to expire next summer, Gallagher is considering all his options, including a potential move to Spain.

Gallagher’s desire for regular first-team football led to the rejection of previous contract offers, as he aimed to secure a starting role. Having become an England international and a fan-favorite at Chelsea, Gallagher understandably feels ready to play regularly for a prominent club.

Since last summer, Chelsea has been open to selling Gallagher, with interest from clubs such as Tottenham and Newcastle. Despite Chelsea’s preference to sell to a club abroad rather than a Premier League rival, Tottenham’s interest resurfaces as Atletico Madrid’s pursuit continues. In the past, Tottenham attempted to sign Gallagher and may now have an opportunity to intervene in the ongoing negotiations, given their long-term interest in the midfielder.

Atletico Madrid, keen on securing Gallagher’s talents, had a €30m (£25.4m) offer rejected earlier in the window. Despite reaching an agreement with Chelsea for a €40m (£33.9m) deal, Atletico is still in talks with Gallagher, who remains undecided about the move. The Spanish club remains committed to their pursuit of Gallagher, while concurrently exploring alternative targets, as they await the midfielder’s decision.

Gallagher’s potential move to Atletico Madrid may prompt Tottenham to reassess their own stance, particularly with their ongoing focus on potential player departures and alternative targets for the midfield position. Although Spurs may have the chance to act if Gallagher remains uncertain about the move to Atletico, they will need to carefully consider the best course of action, taking into account their existing squad and transfer priorities.